Madison onstage: 17 enjoyable arts performances to start out 2026 💃 | Leisure

As winter units in round Madison, metropolis performing arts organizations have lineups positive to entertain by means of the spring. 

The touring Broadway musical “Back to the Future” and the ultimate installment of the eight-film “Harry Potter” collection with the Madison Symphony Orchestra ought to attraction to pop-culture fanatics. Meanwhile, corporations on the Bartell Theatre current on oldies however goodies, with “12 Angry Jurors” and “A Valentine’s Affair,” the latter inspired by the works of William Shakespeare. 

Also at Overture, the all-male ballet company Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo celebrate over five decades of comedy during a late February visit. Local companies Madison Ballet and Madison Opera present premiere performances — “Re:Focus – Pointes of View” includes three new ballet numbers, and “Everlasting Faint” was written by local composer Scott Gendel. 

Some shows, like “Hamilton” and Children’s Theater of Madison’s production of “Tiara’s Hat Parade,” run for multiple weeks while performances by Japanese taiko drumming group DRUM TAO and South African troupe Step Afrika! are one night only. 

This list is not comprehensive. There are many more performances taking place this winter at not only the venues listed here, but also at more intimate locations like University of Wisconsin-Madison’s University Theatre. 

Be sure to double-check details as performance times and dates can shift. 

‘Hamilton’

Ring within the new 12 months with the sounds of liberty and Grammy Award-winning songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda, as “Hamilton” stops in Madison for the third time since 2019. 

Using hip-hop, R&B and jazz to revolutionize (pun meant) the story of America founding father Alexander Hamilton, the Pulitzer Prize and 11-time Tony Award-winning musical “Hamilton” was initially directed by Thomas Kail, with choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire. The Broadway manufacturing spotlights Hamilton’s ambition, drive and battle for a long-lasting nationwide legacy. 

Madison attendees can discover the true historical past behind the musical with unique letters from Hamilton, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Aaron Burr and James Madison — in addition to the notorious Reynolds Pamphlet — within the Wisconsin Historical Society’s exhibition on show within the Promenade Lobby throughout matinees choose days (Jan. 6, Jan. 9, Jan 15 and Jan 17).  

The exhibition is open to the general public, and the present is really useful for ages 10 and up. Tickets within the balcony, mezzanine and (for many dates) the circle have offered out, leaving the best priced tickets — $193.50-$254.25 — remaining. 

Sign up for the Ham4Ham lottery, which opens at 10 a.m. every Friday, and you might win the chance to buy $10 tickets (two max per individual) for a present the next week. Madison has a lottery via LuckySeat on Dec. 30.

Tuesday, Jan. 6-Sunday, Jan. 18

Overture Hall, Overture Center, 201 State St.

$193.50-$254.25 tickets stay; $10 lottery

overture.org 

Oracular Studios presents ‘12 Angry Jurors’

One factor is definite in Reginald Rose’s 1955 play: Someone is lifeless. Murdered, allegedly by his personal son, with a switchblade by means of the center. Did the daddy deserve it? Did the 19-year-old accused do it?  

In this play, directed by Michael Kelley for Oracular Studios, a jury of twelve should decide the son’s guilt. If he’s discovered responsible, he can be sentenced to dying. Based on the Academy Award-nominated courtroom drama “Twelve Angry Men,” this present can be carried out on the Evjue Stage and recommended for these age 13 and up for its grownup language and themes. 

Thursday, Jan. 22-Sunday, Feb. 1

Bartell Theatre, 113 E Mifflin St.

$25

bartelltheatre.org 

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Boris Giltburg

This practically 80-year-old worldwide British symphony orchestra is visiting Madison this winter to heat up Wisconsinites, led by music director Vasily Petrenko. 

The program consists of Dmitri Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10, Hector Berlioz’s “Béatrice et Bénédict” overture, and Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1, carried out by Russian-born pianist Boris Giltburg. 

The program can be introduced by the Wisconsin Union Theater and Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee. This one is presently offered out — test with the field workplace, as tickets typically come out there nearer to the efficiency. 

Wednesday, Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m.

Mead Witter Foundation Concert Hall, Hamel Music Center, 740 University Ave.

$84-$119, much less for college students and union members (presently offered out)

union.wisc.edu

‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 2 in Concert’

Composing wizard Alexandre Desplat’s magical scores return to Overture Center for the epic finale to the “Harry Potter Film Concert Series.” These movies, based mostly on the books by J. Okay. Rowling, comply with a younger wizard’s quest to defeat a murderous darkish lord, a journey that results in an all-out battle in Britain’s wizarding world. Nothing raises the stakes of a movie battle like a reside orchestral crescendo. 

The Madison Symphony Orchestra’s live performance will characteristic the movie performed on a giant display screen whereas the orchestra performs reside. Recommended for these 13 or older.

Saturday, Jan. 31, 2 p.m. and eight p.m.

Overture Hall, Overture Center, 201 State St.

$59.81-$102.01

overture.org

Step Afrika! presents ‘The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence’

In 1941, African American painter Jacob Lawrence created “The Migration Series,” a gaggle of work depicting the migration of African Americans to the northern United States from the South. 

These works impressed Step Afrika!’s Home Performance Series, which options the pictures, coloration palette and motifs from the work proven alongside a variety of African American step-style performances.

Step Afrika! is a nonprofit dance firm, based by C. Brian Williams in 1994 in South Africa by means of a collaboration between dancers from the United States and Johannesburg. “The Migration,” created in 2011, combines percussive dance, conventional and modern actions, highly effective rhythms and viewers participation to create a cacophony of dance and storytelling. 

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 7 p.m.

Overture Hall, Overture Center, 201 State St.

$36.73-$68.36

overture.org

‘The Simon & Garfunkel Story’

 Simon and Garfunkel gained seven Grammys for his or her work collectively, with iconic tunes like “The Sound of Silence,” “Mrs. Robinson,” “Bridge over Troubled Water,” “America” and “The Boxer.”  

With course and musical supervision from Dean Elliott, “The Simon & Garfunkel Story” covers Paul and Art’s musical journey from their “Hey Schoolgirl” beginnings within the Fifties to the peak of their success within the ’60s and their notorious cut up in 1970. Large projection photographs and unique movie footage are paired with a full reside band performing all of the hits together with “Cecilia,” “Homeward Bound” and lots of extra.

VIP packages can be found and embrace a non-public 20-minute acoustic efficiency with the lead performers and unique songs not carried out in the primary present. 

Saturday, Feb. 7, 7:30 p.m. 

Overture Hall, Overture Center, 201 State St.

$31.49-$68.36 (VIP packages $100)

overture.org

Children’s Theater of Madison presents ‘The Hobbit’

Dwarves, wizards and cursed rings, oh my! Children’s Theater of Madison will rework the stage at MYArts into Middle Earth for a pair weeks in February to inform the story of homebody hobbit Bilbo Baggins, whisked away on a grand journey by a band of dwarves and a really cheeky, mysterious wizard.

Based on the well-known fantasy novel by J.R.R. Tolkien and tailored for the stage by Greg Banks, “The Hobbit,” produced in a particular association with Plays for New Audiences, finds Bilbo dealing with trolls, goblins and a fire-breathing dragon in hopes of serving to his new dwarf mates reclaim their mountain house. Music by Tom Johnson emphasises the humor, coronary heart and rising braveness of the story’s tiny however mighty hairy-footed hero. 

Saturday, Feb. 7-Sunday, Feb. 22

Starlight Theater, Madison Youth Arts (MYArts), 1055 E Mifflin St.

$48.20 

ctmtheater.org

Recommended for ages 7 and up. 

Madison Shakespeare Company presents ‘A Valentine’s Affair’

For the eighth 12 months in a row, Madison’s one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day custom continues with “A Valentine’s Affair,” a group of basic love tales written by William Shakespeare and his friends. 

Directed by Joseph Green, this 12 months’s manufacturing consists of scenes from “Romeo and Juliet,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Much Ado About Nothing,” in addition to Edmond Rostand’s “Cyrano de Bergerac,” William Congreve’s “The Way of the World” and extra.

The present introduced by the Madison Shakespeare Company may even characteristic two Shakespeare sonnets, randomly decided every evening. Let ardour, pursuit, misunderstanding, marriage, and mayhem boost a winter night. 

Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 12-14

Bartell Theatre, 113 E. Mifflin St.

$25

bartelltheatre.org 

Joyce DiDonato and Time for Three, ‘Emily – No Prisoner Be’

Grammy Award-winning opera singer Joyce DiDonato groups up with the Grammy- and Emmy-winning ensemble Time For Three (TF3) to create a musical work exploring the internal world of American poet Emily Dickinson, well-known for poems like “I’m Nobody! Who are you?”, “Hope is the thing with feathers,” “I felt a Funeral, in my Brain,” and others. 

Combining mezzo-soprano vocals with video projections and 24 alternatives of Dickinson’s poetry, the theatrical live performance “Emily – No Prisoner Be” is a celebration of the poet’s creativity and sophisticated feelings. “Emily – No Prisoner Be” premiered in summer season 2025 and was composed by Kevin Puts. 

Thursday, Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m.

Wisconsin Union Theater, Shannon Hall, 800 Langdon St.

$10-$89

union.wisc.edu

Madison Opera presents ‘Everlasting Faint’

Elva Heaster Shue has died of pure causes, or an “everlasting faint,” in accordance with the city physician. Then Elva’s ghost tells her mom a special story — one in every of homicide most foul. 

Based on the true story of the 1897 Greenbrier Ghost in West Virginia, this world premiere of Madison Opera’s “Everlasting Faint” was composed by Madison’s personal Scott Gendel with a narrative by Sandra Flores-Strand. To at the present time, historians cite this because the one instance the place a ghost’s testimony helped to unravel her personal homicide. 

Friday, Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 15, 2:30 p.m.

Capitol Theater, Overture Center, 201 State St.

$34.43-$178.98

madisonopera.org

Madison Ballet presents ‘Re:Focus — Pointes of View’

Madison Ballet’s dance anthology “Pointes of View” options three Madison premieres: Heinz Poll’s “Schubert Waltzes,” Tom Mattingly’s “Flight” and Ja’ Malik’s “Variations on a Grosso.” The present additionally consists of Richard Walters’ humorous “Weibermacht” carried out by an all-female ensemble with music by Mozart.

Exploring dance custom, gender roles and energy dynamics with tutus and fight boots, Madison Ballet dancers train their hamstrings and humorous bones of their reinterpretations of basic numbers. The firm has a various crew of choreographers, together with Endalyn Taylor, Ilana Goldman, Caili Quan, Stephanie Martinez, Nathalia Janvion and Ja’ Malik, the present inventive and interim govt director. 

On opening evening, be part of a post-performance dialogue with Madison Ballet choreographers and collaborators who assist convey these visions to life. 

Friday-Sunday, Feb. 13-15

Promenade Hall, Overture Center, 201 State St.

$56.48-$62.75

madisonballet.org

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo

He is magnificence and he’s grace! Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, the all-male drag ballet troupe, parodies the conventions of romantic and classical ballet. For one evening in Madison, the troupe presents a night of jokes and jetés, parodies and pliés, led by inventive director Tory Dobrin.

Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo was co-founded by Peter Anastos, Natch Taylor and Anthony Bassae in 1974. For over 50 years, the ballet firm has skewed gender norms and conventional ballet expectations with their comedic diversifications of “Pas de Quatre,” “Swan Lake” and different well-known ballets. Watch out for flying tutus, toe sneakers to the face and different outrageous slapstick maneuvers. 

Thursday, Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m.

Overture Hall, Overture Center, 201 State St.

$31.49-$68.36

overture.org

Children’s Theater of Madison presents ‘Tiara’s Hat Parade’

Hats off to Children’s Theater of Madison, which in March presents the world premiere of “Tiara’s Hat Parade.” This one-woman present was based mostly on Kelly Starling Lyons’ award-winning 2020 kids’s ebook. Tiara’s mother has a present for making hats, and Tiara has a present for storytelling. When a brand new retailer opens that sells cheaper hats, Momma finds herself discouraged — however Tiara hatches an concept for rekindling her mother’s goals. 

The story, tailored for the stage and directed by Paige Hernandez, focuses on kindness, creativity and resilience, with a little bit of entrepreneurship and resourcefulness too. 

Saturday, March 7-Sunday, March 22 

Starlight Theater, Madison Youth Arts (MYArts), 1055 E Mifflin St.

$48.20

ctmtheater.org

Recommended for ages 5 and up. 

Drum Tao presents ‘The Best’

Madison actually does have all of it: ballet, African step, opera and now, Japanese taiko drumming. 

Drum Tao is a Japanese drum and dance ensemble that has offered out reveals all around the globe. Focused on the traditional Japanese artwork of taiko drumming, traditionally used for spiritual ceremonies and battle, performances in “The Best” mirror the actions of martial arts and showcases the athleticism of drumming, accented with vibrant costumes, fireplace and theatrics. 

While the taiko drums are the primary instrument within the present, flutes and harps additionally be part of the ensemble meant to have a good time not solely the Japanese arts, however Japan itself. 

Tuesday, March 10, 7 p.m.

Capitol Theater, Overture Center, 201 State St.

$36.73-$68.36

overture.org

‘Back to the Future: The Musical’

Doc Brown and Marty McFly will park their DeLorean in Madison this March, because the nationwide tour of “Back to the Future: The Musical” flies into Wisconsin. 

Zip up that windbreaker and activate the flux capacitor for a visit again to 1955. Using a time machine constructed by the eccentric scientist Doc Brown, younger Marty by chance adjustments the course of historical past and finds himself in a race to repair the current, escape the previous and ship himself “back to the future.” The present is a wild journey of flashing lights, strobe results, smoke, haze and pyrotechnics.

Adapted for the stage by the long-lasting movie’s creators Bob Gale and Robert Zemeckis, Tony Award-winner John Rando directs. While the award-winning musical does characteristic unique music by multi-Grammy winners Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard, the manufacturing wouldn’t be full with out the film’s hit songs “The Power of Love,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Earth Angel,” and “Back in Time.”

Tuesday, March 10-Sunday, March 15

Overture Hall, Overture Center, 201 State St.

$38.40-$170.45 

overture.org

Madison Theatre Guild presents ‘The Butter and Egg Man’

A 1925 play by George S. Kaufman, “The Butter and Egg Man” is a play about attempting to make a play. Who doesn’t love a superb play-ception? 

Presented by Madison Theatre Guild, “The Butter and Egg Man” is a romantic comedy about an Ohio man named Peter Jones who arrives on Broadway hoping to put money into a play and make sufficient cash to purchase a resort again house. Through being conned and swindled, Peter nonetheless manages to win the center of a lady and land a success present. 

A precursor to Mel Brook’s “The Producers,” “The Butter and Egg Man” is directed by Emma Sorenson and carried out on the Bartell’s Drury Stage.

Friday, March 20-Saturday, April 4

Bartell Theatre, 113 E Mifflin St.

$25

bartelltheatre.org

‘Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark Live in Concert’

Don’t fear, there aren’t any snakes on this orchestra pit. In late March, Madison Symphony Orchestra’s “MSO at the Movies” collection presents one other basic on the Overture Hall stage. “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark Live in Concert” options John Williams’ Grammy Award-winning rating carried out reside to Steven Spielberg’s five-time Academy Award-winning movie. 

The 1981 field workplace hit stars the acclaimed Harrison Ford as brooding faculty professor and heartthrob archeologist Indiana Jones. Jones hunts for the Lost Ark of the Covenant whereas throat-punching Nazis and profitable over the hearts of his feminine costars. The live performance is led by conductor Kyle Knox, the MSO affiliate conductor. 

Saturday-Sunday, March 28-29

Overture Hall, Overture Center, 201 State St.

$34-$114 

madisonsymphony.org